Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198)
Compare the W 198 Coupé and Roadster. Verify the original body material, brakes, engine block, and factory options against the build card.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198) models compared
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé (W 198 I)
Check 198.040 steel or 198.043 light-alloy factory identity, then confirm the original body and the components fitted today.
1954–1957
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W 198 II)
Check the original brake system, block casting and engine stamp against the data card. Verify any claim of factory Rudge wheels, later replacement, or 1964 delivery.
1957–1963
What to check across the range
Compare the W 198 Coupé and Roadster. Verify the original body material, brakes, engine block, and factory options against the build card.
Selected chassis histories
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé, chassis 198.043.5500786
Five RM Sotheby’s appearances document the same Alloy Gullwing and its varying auction outcomes.
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé, chassis 198.043.5500872
The Rudi Klein Alloy Gullwing retains multiple numbered original components. The lot addendum qualifies its early ownership.
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé, chassis 198.040.7500079
Catalogued as the final Gullwing by chassis sequence and delivery date at the amfAR x RM Sotheby’s event.
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé, chassis 198.040.5500640
RM’s Sportabteilung attribution warrants review of the individual works history. The catalogue gives a 198.040 chassis.
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis 198.042.10.003207
A late-invoiced Roadster with disc brakes and an alloy engine block.
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis 198.042.7500364
The auction catalogue documents factory Rudge wheels, a hardtop, and restoration history.
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